Next weeks at home with your baby

You may have questions about health and safety and how to care for your family. For helpful parenting tips visit our website at fraserhealth.ca/parenting.

Getting your child immunized on time is the best way to protect them and others from vaccine preventable diseases. B.C.’s recommended routine vaccines are provided free to all children in B.C.

Your baby’s first immunization are due at 2 months of age.

Here are some more key reminders to help you navigate through the early next weeks at home with your baby.

• Infant feeding support: Human milk is the best food for your baby. New parents often have concerns about feeding their baby. For support, speak with a health care provider, public health nurse, or your local La Leche League. Visit our breastfeeding/chestfeeding section to learn more.
• Every sleep counts: To reduce the risk of Sudden Unexpected Infant Death Syndrome (SUDS), always place your baby on their back for every sleep. Find safe sleep tips.
• All babies cry: All Babies cry. This is a normal part of their development when their brains are so young.  Babies also cry to tell you what they need.  Hearing your baby cry can be overwhelming. Learn more at purplecrying.info. Find tips on soothing your baby's cries.
• Bonding: Babies need to be held. You cannot spoil them. They more they are held, the calmer they will be, and faster they will grow. Touching and talking to your baby helps them feel safe and loved. Learn more on love and attachment.
• Human Milk Donation: If a parent’s own milk is not available, some babies need pasteurized milk from a donor. If you have more milk than you need for your own baby, consider donation to help other babies. Learn more at Donor milk.
• Family planning: If you would like to wait before having another baby, find out about your birth control options. Talk to your health care provider at your six week check-up about the best choice for you.
• Second- and third-hand smoke: Protect your family’s health. Create a smoke-free environment for your child at all times. Supports are available to help you quit smoking and help you lessen exposure to second-hand and third-hand smoke.
• Emotional wellness: Check your own mental wellness with our postpartum depression screening questionnaire. Make sure to visit your health care provider six weeks after your baby’s birth for a check-up and discuss your answers from the questionnaire. Learn more about depression and anxiety, including tips on self-care.
• Second- and third-hand smoke: Always provide your child with clean air in a smoke and vapour free environment.  Supports are available to help you quit smoking and help you lessen exposure to second-hand and third-hand smoke. Talk to a pharmacist to get free nicotine replacement therapy.  Learn more at quitnow.ca or see Clean Air for My Child and Me.
• Immunizations: Having your child immunized is the best way to protect them against serious disease.  The first vaccine for your baby is at 2 months old.  To book an appointment, call your health care provider or public health office at 604-702-4906 for Mission, Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Agassiz and Hope or 604-476-7087 for other areas of Fraser Health. Learn more at Vaccines for your baby
• Emotional wellness: Postpartum depression and anxiety can happen up to one year after your baby is born.  Check your own mental wellness with our postpartum depression screening questionnaire. Make sure to visit your health care provider six weeks after your baby’s birth for a check-up and discuss your answers from the questionnaire. Learn more about depression and anxiety, including tips on self-care.

Sometimes it is important to call for help right away.  Call your family practitioner or HealthLink BC at 811 for support. 

Call 911, or the Crisis Line at 988 if you have any thoughts about harming yourself or your baby. 

To help remember the basics of postpartum self-care, use the NESTS tool. This tool can give you ideas related to nutrition, exercise, sleep, time for yourself and support:

• Nutrition: Eat healthy meals by making half your plate fruit and vegetables. Stock up on snacks like cut-up vegetables, nuts, eggs and cheese.
• Exercise: Can help reduce stress and boost your mood. Try going for a short walk or stretching at home.
• Time for yourself: Be kind to yourself. Finding time to relax will help protect you from or manage symptoms of depression.
• Support: Don’t be afraid to ask for support from friends and family. This can protect you from feeling overwhelmed, depressed or anxious.
• Sleep and rest: Give yourself permission to rest and sleep when you can. Try to have a nap each day.

Additional resources

Perinatal Services BC Pregnancy & Parent Learning Centre – an online portal providing evidence-based resources for pregnancy, parenting and newborn care. 

Baby’s Best Chance – A guide to help you learn about the first 6 months of your baby’s life

Toddler’s First Steps – A guide to help you learn about caring for your child from age 6 months to 3 years.

Immunization Information on the Internet: Can you trust what you read? (Immunize Canada)

Fraser Health Virtual Health – Get trusted advice from one of our nurses or dieticians. 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., 7 days a week. Call 1-800-314-0999 or chat online with us fraserhealth.ca/virtualcare